I would imagine it is because Brussels is an unobjectionable city in an unobjectionable country. There is no way the HQ could be in Paris, Rome, Berlin or London. None of these are 'neutral' locations.

Thanks for the welcome back Anastasios. I am refreshed after Great Lent, managed a trip to Cyprus with my wife during which I didn't log on to the internet at all, and now I am chilled and raring to go. Where's Linus7? :-)

Good question, RB. Perhaps making one of the bigger and more powerful countries like France or Germany the HQ would have opened too many old wounds and rivalries. Also some of the alternative capitals you mention were not actually within membership of the EU initially in any case. Britain didn't join until 1973, so London could not have been considered before then. Belgium is small but has been at the centre of the major European conflicts and also has to handle competing ethnic/linguistic groups. Given that the EU originated in a desire to never again see the continent of Europe torn apart by war on the scale of WWI and II, maybe they were the logical choice. The big boys can't have everything!

Peter, haven't seen you in quite some time. It's good to see you're still around

RB,

I think the others are right with the answer of Belgium being a more neutral country. (Of course, they could have chosen Bern if they really wanted neutral ) Also, being next door to the Hague was most likely also thought a major advantage. The leadership of the EU is only a few hours from the leadership of th UN.

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"When looking at faults, use a mirror, not a telescope."-Yazid Ibrahim

RB: I would conjecture that it also has something to do with the fact that Belgium is traditionally a buffer state. It could not be in Berlin or Paris as they are rival enemies, etc.

Peter welcome back! I was hoping to surpas your post number before you got back, but what the hey . Anyways what is Bruges? Perhaps it was staying up until 4:45 this morning and the fact I got up at 5:30 but I honestly can't remember who/what is there.

Joe Zollars

« Last Edit: May 10, 2004, 11:34:25 AM by JoeZollars »

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